Four million Americans are out of work more than six months. Our elected leaders play golf and seem clueless. But we are Americans--we cope. We don't need some college boys to show us the way. We endure, we invent, we find a way. So welcome to Hopey Copey--I hope you find some tip, some phrase, that opens a new path for you.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Beware of holiday job scams

The Better Business Bureau has some tips for avoiding a big ho-ho-ho when if comes to getting a holiday job.

Exercise caution. Remember common sense--if it sounds too good to be true...? "You, too, can make Christmas money by the thousands..." No, you can't. You won't. But some bum sure will. Check him out over there --->

Don't respond to a notice on a social media site or posted by a contact--google the company and see if it looks legit.

Check with the Better Business Bureau--I have some beefs with them, but they can show interesting and crucial info. It's http://bbb.org.

Never pay upfront fees. You should not have to pay for, say, a background check before you're interviewed.

Never provide your SS number or birthday until you are sure the place is OK--near you, you know it.

Work from home offers? Remember--people who legitimately work at home were interviewed in person, probably worked in the "office" at times, were trained, have prior experience, and work for a salary. Why would anyone pay you 50 cents to insert something in an envelope? They have machines for that.

About Me

I am a long-time freelance health and science reporter, screenwriter, and blogger. My work has appeared in venues from the Costco Connection to Washingtonian and WebMD. I also used to teach creativity at the Smithsonian.